Alois Kaufmann is a German actor known for his roles in films such as The Lives of Others (2006) and Downfall (2004). Born in Munich in 1972, Kaufmann began his career at the Munich Kammerspiele theatre in the mid-1990s, where he performed in numerous plays. His first film role came in 1997 with the short film Die Mutter, and he soon began appearing in feature films, including 1999’s Anatomy 2 and 2001’s Bandits.
Kaufmann has since become one of Germany’s most respected actors, especially for his roles in the award-winning films Downfall and The Lives of Others. In Downfall, he played the role of Hitler’s personal physician, Dr. Karl Brandt, and received wide critical acclaim for his performance. His portrayal of a conflicted Stasi officer in The Lives of Others was also praised, and he was nominated for a European Film Award for Best Actor for his work.
In addition to his work in film, Kaufmann has also appeared in numerous television series, including Tatort (2002-2003) and Der Letzte Bulle (2009-2011). He also had a recurring role as Dr. Martin Schneider in the German medical drama In aller Freundschaft (2012-2016). Kaufmann most recently appeared in the 2019 series Die Känguru-Chroniken, based on the novel by Marc-Uwe Kling.
Outside of acting, Kaufmann is a passionate advocate for environmental causes and animal welfare. He is a patron of the German animal rights organization Animals’ Angels, and he recently partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature to promote sustainable forestry practices in Germany.
Kaufmann’s career has been defined by his commitment to excellence and his willingness to tackle challenging roles. His body of work is a testament to his talent and dedication, and he remains one of Germany’s most respected actors.
